Eagles mock draft 2024: How free agent frenzy changes strategy. Think AJ Brown, Lane Johnson

So much for the Eagles possibly breaking a decades-old tradition in the first round by drafting a linebacker for the first time since 1979, or a running back for the first time since 1986, or a safety for the first time ever.

That's because of general manager Howie Roseman's time-honored formula of addressing needs in free agency so that he doesn't have to draft for need. That enables him to take the proverbial best player available.

So running back isn't a priority for the Eagles after signing Saquon Barkley to a 3-year deal worth as much as $37.8 million. Neither is linebacker after signing Devin White to a one-year, $7.5 million deal. That's also the case at safety with Chauncey Gardner-Johnson getting a 3-year deal worth as much as $33 million.

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It's the same at edge rusher with Bryce Huff signed to a 3-year deal worth $51.1 million. The Eagles also restructured Josh Sweat's contract and kept free agent Brandon Graham, along with bigger expectations from Nolan Smith, one of the Eagles' first-round picks last spring (No. 30 overall).

But Roseman hasn't addressed every need, especially on a defense that ranked 31st in pass defense and 30th in points allowed.

They haven't signed a cornerback as of yet after James Bradberry had a down season, an indication that position could be a draft target. Or perhaps the Eagles could stick with Darius Slay, Bradberry and the young players from last season in Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks, who got plenty of experience.

The Eagles also haven't replaced defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, who announced his retirement last week. Then again, they used first-round picks the last two years on Jalen Carter (2023) and Jordan Davis (2022), and a third-round pick on Milton Williams (2021), so maybe a low-cost veteran free agent rounds out the rotation.

But at least the Eagles have options. Here's how we think it will go in Mock Draft 3.0:

Round 1, No. 22, Brian Thomas, WR, LSU

Why a wide receiver here? Simple, best player available. The Vikings are moving into position to draft a quarterback, meaning five could be taken in the first 11 picks. That, in turn, will push some top players down towards the Eagles. In that case, the Eagles would be drafting the player with the biggest upside. And that's Thomas.

The 6-foot-3, 209-pounder ran a 4.33 in the 40 at the NFL scouting combine. Thomas, who had 1,177 yards receiving and 17 TDs for the Tigers, can also play both outside and in the slot, giving the Eagles a bona fide third receiver with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

In addition, the Eagles haven't drafted a wide receiver since Smith in 2021. Brown and Smith are going to get much more expensive after this season. Brown's salary cap hit goes from $12.6 million this season to $26.5 million in 2025 and $41 million in 2026. And Smith's rookie deal expires after 2025. It will be hard to afford both after the 2025 season.

By then, Thomas should be ready to be WR1 or 2.

Mock drafts 1, 2: Keon Coleman, WR; Quinyon Mitchell, CB

Round 2, No. 50, Jordan Morgan, LT, Arizona

This is the last vestige of the 2022 first-round pick swap from New Orleans, and they'll use it on Morgan, a tackle who can eventually replace Lane Johnson. Johnson, 33, is signed through 2026, which could be his last contract. Morgan can serve as a swing tackle behind Johnson and left tackle Jordan Mailata while learning from one of the best right tackles of this generation, not to mention OL coach Jeff Stoutland.

Morgan, who's 6-5, 311 pounds, was considered a first-round pick before tearing his ACL late in the 2022 season. But he came back strong in 2023.

Mock drafts 1,2: Michael Penix, QB; Keon Coleman, WR

Round 2, No. 53, Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

You didn't think the Eagles would go an entire draft without taking someone from Georgia or Alabama, did you? For now, Roseman said Bradberry, coming off a disappointing season, is still in the Eagles' plans. If that's the case, Lassiter can work in with Bradberry in a mini-corner rotation opposite Slay.

But the Eagles could also cut ties with Bradberry, and thus seek a Week 1 starter either with Lassiter, who's 6-feet, 186 pounds, or with his Georgia teammate in Ringo. Either way, the Eagles would have an eventual succession plan for both Slay and Bradberry, with Eli Ricks in the mix, too.

Mock drafts 1, 2: Adisa Isaac, edge

Round 4, No. 120, MarShawn Lloyd, RB, Southern Cal

This is the pick coming from Pittsburgh in the Pickett deal. The Eagles gave the Steelers their third-round pick (No. 98) and two seventh-round picks in 2025.

Why would the Eagles draft a running back after signing Barkley? Because Kenny Gainwell is the only other running back on the roster now that D'Andre Swift is gone and Boston Scott and Rashaad Penny are free agents. Plus, Barkley has missed at least three games in four of the last five seasons.

Lloyd, the Middletown native, averaged 7.1 yards per carry at USC. He can gradually work in and thus not have a heavy workload.

Mock drafts 1, 2: None

Round 5, No. 161, Eric All, TE, Iowa

This pick came in a pick swap with Tampa Bay last year. All, coming off a torn ACL, is worth taking a chance on now that the Eagles are changing the pecking order of the tight ends behind Dallas Goedert. The Eagles re-signed Albert Okwuegbunam, but allowed Jack Stoll to leave in free agency to the Giants. All, who began his college career at Michigan, could be an upgrade as TE3 over Grant Calcaterra.

Mock drafts 1, 2: Marist Liufau, LB, Zak Zinter, G

Round 5, No. 171, Leonard Taylor, DT, Miami

This is the first of two comp picks at the end of Round 5. The Eagles are taking a chance on Taylor's upside after a disappointing junior season. Taylor, considered one of the top recruits coming out of high school, can work on his fundamentals behind Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams and Moro Ojomo. The Eagles might also add a veteran low-cost free agent to help the young room.

Mock drafts 1,2: Demani Richardson, safety

Round 5, No. 172, Marist Liufau, LB, Notre Dame

This is the second fifth-round comp pick. Even with White and Nakobe Dean as starters, along with the recent signing of Oren Burks from the 49ers, the Eagles need more depth. They had three veterans in free agency who aren't expected back (Nicholas Morrow already signed with Buffalo). Liufau would join Ben VanSumeren as depth/special teams help.

Mock drafts 1, 2: All, Darrin Holker, TE

Round 6, No. 210, Matthew Jones, G, Ohio State

This is the last of the Eagles' comp picks. Even with the recent signing of G/C Matt Hennessy, the Eagles value depth on the offensive line, especially now that veterans Sua Opeta (Tampa Bay) and Jack Driscoll (Miami) have left in free agents. Jones, 6-3, 316, never really reached his potential at Ohio State. He can certainly benefit from learning at Stoutland University.

Mock drafts 1,2: None

Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on X @Mfranknfl.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Eagles mock draft: How free agent signings change draft strategy